Estrovian Forest

The Estrovian Forest makes up a large part of central and southern Mendev. Its reputation is so fierce, that few trespass under its snow-laden boughs, especially in its northern reaches.[1]

History

Historically it was used for timber and hunting. However, during the First Mendevian Crusade a group of druids, angry at the influx of foreigners, transformed a trespassing Andoren huntsman called Herne Vilhaur into a stag-horned avenger known as a herne by calling down the 'curse of the winterthorn'. The creature killed its creators, and then began indiscriminately killing all it found within the forest—sometimes creating more of his kind in the process. These creatures are known as hernes as a result. The herne creature that was once Herne Vilhaur is said to be buried in a barrow at the foot of a tree now known as Herne's Oak, an area his descendants view as sacred.[2][3]

Inhabitants

In addition to the vicious and territorial hernes, the forest is also home to winter wolves and snowy owls,[1] along with a pack of apparently ghostly owlbears who roam it on snowy nights. The bodies of any slain owlbears disappear with the dawn.[4]Werebear-kin are also known to inhabit the forest and are respected for their abilities as rangers and woodland guides.[5]

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